Dog Fouling Could Dog Owners Face 100 Fines?

Dog fouling could soon lead to stricter rules for residents who own dogs in West Oxfordshire if they fail to clean up after their pets. The district has opened a six-week consultation, allowing residents to share their views on the proposed measures.

The proposed guidelines will give the local council greater control to solve this issue that many people complain about.

Dog Fouling Rules Aim to Keep Public Spaces Cleaner

The council states that dog fouling still presents a challenge within the district. The presence of dog mess creates an unpleasant environment and poses potential risks to people’s health, especially to children who use parks and open spaces.

It is expected that strict implementation will promote proper dog ownership and maintenance of public outdoor areas.

What Dog Owners Need to Know

With the adoption of the recommendations, dog owners will be required to comply with several new criteria while walking their dogs.

The new set of rules includes the following:

1. £100 fixed penalties for not cleaning up after a dog.
2. £1,000 fines in case of trial.
3. Taking poop bags on each dog walk.
4. Displaying these bags to officers of the council when asked.

These rules are to be adopted with the help of a Public Space Protection Order.

Council Seeks Help to Tackle Dog Fouling

Alistair Wray, the councillor, stated that this initiative is an attempt to apply the current law throughout the district more consistently. The councillor further clarified that the local council has appointed a new environmental crime officer for enforcing these laws.

The council is interested in receiving information from citizens regarding those areas where there is dog fouling on a regular basis.

Residents Have Mixed Views

Many citizens agree with the new proposals. Richard Hanna, who is a citizen of Carterton, thinks every owner should be responsible for his or her pet. He mentioned that dog waste pollutes local parks and makes this place unpleasant for all citizens. Also, he criticized those who hang plastic bags filled with waste around trees.

Some citizens doubt the effectiveness of these new measures. Carterton citizen John Cannon thinks there should be more police patrolling the area to control such irresponsible owners.

Exemptions Included in the Proposal

Individuals whose disabilities hamper their movement will be exempt from such a policy, along with individuals who have registered blindness. This is because there will be certain difficulties faced by owners while taking care of their dogs.

This will last for six weeks, during which residents will get a chance to give their opinions on the proposed change.

References Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2l8v17nxvo